This paper seeks to optimize the voyage routes to transfer empty by the vessels or carriers across shipping service networks. A linear programming model is proposed that seeks to pitimise shipping routes of empty containers movement between South Africa seaports, subject to the optimisation of cost of port transfers, considering port operations (handling on/off, inventory-holding, leasing, purchasing new empty containers.  The liner program model of cost was solved with Lingo, after which alternative routings were re-evaluated given the minimum cost realised in ordeer to identify alternative optimal for the minimum shipping time.